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Solubilization of core-shell magnetic nanoparticles has gained new popularity as a versatile partitioning method with the recent growth in nanotechnology and related biotechnology applications. In this sense, Fe3O4/Sio2/Cu nanoparticles (NPs) were designed and characterized by various techniques such as Ultra-violet visible (UV-vis), Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM & TEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and thermogravimetric (TGA) analyses. The size determined by TEM analysis of Fe3O4/Sio2/Cu NPs was found in the range of 24 nm. The diffractometer results verified the impurity-free synthesis of the desired nanoparticles. Micellar solubilization and thermodynamics of micellization were determined correspondingly using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer and conductometer. The thermodynamics of micellization in terms of enthalpy, entropy and standard Gibb's free energy was determined using electrical conductometry. The solubilization parameters viz. partition constant (Kc), binding constant (Kb), partition coefficient (Kx), and the corresponding Gibb's free energies were estimated from the absorption spectroscopic analysis. The experimental outcomes and their computation revealed the rise in the critical micelle concentration of CTAB due to the incorporation of the nanoparticles with the micelles. Moreover, the photo-antibacterial activity of the nanoparticles in the bacteria culture environment showed effectiveness in comparison to the control group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatigue failure is a complex phenomenon. Therefore, development of a fatigue damage model that considers all associated complexities resulting from the application of different cyclic loading types, geometries, materials, and environmental conditions is a challenging task. Nevertheless, fatigue damage models such as critical plane-based models are popular because of their capability to estimate life mostly within ±2 and ±3 factors of life for smooth specimens. In this study, a method is proposed for assessing the fatigue life estimation capability of different critical plane-based models. In this method, a subroutine was developed and used to search for best estimated life regardless of critical plane assumption. Therefore, different fatigue damage models were evaluated at all possible planes to search for the best life. Smith-Watson-Topper (normal strain-based), Fatemi-Socie (shear strain-based), and Jahed-Varvani (total strain energy density-based) models are compared by using the proposed assessment method. The assessment is done on smooth specimen level by using the experimental multiaxial fatigue data of 3 alloys, namely, AZ31B and AZ61A extruded magnesium alloys and S460N structural steel alloy. Using the proposed assessment method, it was found that the examined models may not be able to reproduce the experimental lives even if they were evaluated at all physical planes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study gravitational lensing of magnetically charged black hole of string theory as a strong field approximation for the supermassive black hole at the center of NGC4486B. We evaluate light deflection angle numerically, from which we obtain magnifications, Einstein rings and observables for the relativistic images. Finally, we explore time delay between relativistic images when they are on the same as well as opposite side of the lens. It is concluded that charge parameter plays a prominent role in the strong gravitational lensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Almost 20 million children globally do not get routine vaccines, 1.4 million of which reside in Pakistan. Immunization coverage in rural settings of Pakistan, comprising >60% population, is lower than their urban counterparts. Barriers such as distant-centers, lack of transportation, and restrictions on women to travel alone, exacerbate the problem. We introduced immunization carpool services in rural settings to facilitate vaccination of < 2 years children. Low-coverage immunization clinics were selected based on availability of vaccinators and vaccines in Shikarpur, a rural district in Pakistan. Local transport providers were identified and vehicles were rented-in. Community mobilization was done through awareness sessions and branding vehicles. Data was recorded on the number of round trips and immunization visits facilitated by each vehicle. Details of children transported and feedback on carpool services were captured from caregivers. Immunization coverage was calculated using the government’s electronic immunization registry data. Between January to October 2020, 6 vehicles were deployed, which provided free transport services in 98 catchment areas of 4 immunization clinics. On average, each vehicle completed 420 (SD: 58.2) round trips and facilitated 781 (SD: 171) immunization visits. A total of 2,391 children were enrolled, 1,182 (49.7%) of them were females and 1,197 (50%) aged <6months. Enrolled children compared to non-enrolled at the same immunization clinic, showed 19.1% higher coverage rate for penta-3 (81% vs 68%, p < 0.00) and 23.6% for measles-2 (73% vs 57%, p < 0.00). Immunization timeliness among enrolled children increased by 4.8% for penta-3 (9% vs 4%, p < 0.00) and 18% for measles-2 (25% vs 7%, p < 0.00). Reported advantages of services include time-saving (92%), cost-saving (79%), and reduced dependence on family members (95%). Immunization carpool service is well accepted by rural women and can improve immunization coverage and equity in rural areas. Key messages: Provision of commuting options can overcome accessibility barriers and has the potential to improve immunization coverage and timeliness. Free transport services for rural women could aid in promoting gender equity and reducing urban-rural disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a survey of foliar spot of wheat in different agro-ecological wheat production zones, conducted in 2005, Collectotrichum graminicola was found to cause anthracnose in wheat with other foliar diseases like leaf blotch. Pathogenicity has been carried out to fulfill Koch's postulates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 30-year-old woman with recurrent lower abdominal pain and dysuria. She underwent speculum examination, and ultrasound scan in which haematometra, secondary to cervical stenosis, has been diagnosed. Examination under anesthetic, cervical dilatation, hysteroscopy, and cystoscopy were re-arranged due to continuous pelvic discomfort and the increase of fluid in the endometrial cavity. The pain has been resolved after 12 weeks from the initial hysteroscopy.

We introduce and study a new class of convex functions which is called strongly harmonic convex functions. We derive some new Hermite-Hadamard inequalities for strongly harmonic convex and log-convex functions. Some special cases are discussed. We also obtain the solution of the Jensen harmonic functional equations. The techniques and ideas of this paper may starting point of further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pica phenomenon, where non-edible substances are repeatedly consumed, has been linked with developmental and behavioural disorders, particularly autism. The clinical presentation of foreign body ingestion in patients with autism is discussed, and recommendations for caregivers are provided based on the available literature. An 18-year-old man with severe autism and behavioural difficulties presented with a vague history of decreased appetite and melaena of eight months duration. Foreign body ingestion commonly occurs in individuals with autism spectrum disorders and should be suspected in patients who present with vague gastrointestinal symptoms. The adverse medical and surgical consequences of foreign body ingestion emphasize the need for early recognition. Surgical intervention for foreign body ingestion can prevent complications. Magnetic substances can cause considerable gastrointestinal morbidity and require urgent endoscopic or surgical removal. Primary prevention is also vital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A five-herb containing traditional homemade medicine is extensively used to treat gout but the literature is devoid of scientific evidence. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate anti-gout and anti-inflammatory activities of a standardized traditional medicine. Reversed phase HPLC method was developed for the simultaneous determination of chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, vanillin and ferulic acid, and applied to standardize the traditional medicine. Completely randomized design (CRD) was followed in the current study. In vivo anti-gout activity was evaluated using potassium oxonate induced hyperuricemia model and the study was divided into two parts, protective and curative study. In former, male Wistar rats were randomly segregated into 4 groups (n=6) and treated for 21 days while in later, rats from toxic group were randomly segregated into 3 groups (n=3), two treated and one control, and treatment was continued for 7 days. Serum uric acid level, xanthine oxidase activity of rat-liver homogenate and renal histopathology were used to assess anti-gout activity. The medicine was also evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity using carrageenan induced hind paw edema model. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, and a p value ≤ 0.05 was regarded as significantly different. The medicine contained 0.2967 mg/g chlorogenic acid, 0.2698 mg/g caffeic acid, 0.2122 mg/g vanillin and 0.2160 mg/g ferulic acid. The medicine significantly reduced uric acid level in medicine-treated groups in both protective and curative studies (p=0.05). The medicine also exhibited significant xanthine oxidase inhibition in rat-liver homogenate in protective and curative study (p=0.05). Kidney histopathological examination indicated mild interstitial cells infiltration in treatment groups as compared to toxic group. The medicine also exhibited significant antiinflammatory activity indicated by 49.8% reduction of paw edema volume (p=0.05). The findings of this study support the traditional use of the herbal medicine, and the developed HPLC method may be useful to produce standardized antigout medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Covid-19 has universally disrupted primary health care, but routine childhood immunizations are one the most affected services. We analyzed big data in vaccines for measuring the 1year impact of Covid-19 on outline childhood immunizations for the 48 million population in the Sindh province of Pakistan. We extracted and analyzed >3.7m real-time immunization records of 0-23 months old children from the Sindh Government’s Electronic Immunization Registry (EIR). Using a 6-month baseline preceding the COVID-19 lockdown, we quantified the lockdown’s (March 23-May 9, 2020) impact on daily immunization rates by geographical area and the change in coverage rates at the one-year mark since the lockdown. The lockdown resulted in 53% drop in the number of immunizations. The impact in rural areas as more than in urban areas (54.9% decline vs 47.5% decline from baseline), and slums had a slightly larger decrease in immunization coverage than nonslum areas (53.8% vs. 51.3%). Of 1,246,321 children who missed immunizations during first year of the pandemic, 76% of these children were eventually vaccinated by the end of March 2021. Similarly, of the 417,553 children who had dropped out during the initial 7-week national lockdown (March 23-May 10, 2020), 79% were immunized by March 2021. Our analysis of EIR data shows that the catch-up and recovery of coverage rates have primarily been driven through intensive outreach vaccination efforts instead of an increase in demand. One year since the onset of the pandemic, the average daily immunization doses administered through outreach increased by 121 percent above baseline estimates. In contrast, vaccines administered at immunization clinics were still 22 percent below baseline. The example of Pakistan shows LMICs can successfully deploy mitigation strategies to catch up with missed children during Covid-19 and sustain routine childhood immunizations to close immunity gaps. Key messages: Although the lockdown resulted in a 53% drop in immunizations, at the 1-year mark since the pandemic started, 76% of children who missed immunizations are vaccinated. Pakistan data shows LMICs can rectify routine immunization coverage and immunity gaps and rebound successfully to their pre-COVID-19 coverage rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

gene encoding the xylanase from Bacillus subtilis strain R5 containing the native signal sequence was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The heterologous expression of the gene resulted in the production of the recombinant protein in the cytoplasm as well as its secretion into the culture medium. The xylanase activity in the culture medium increased with time after induction up to 90% of the total activity in 14 h. Molecular mass and N-terminal amino acid sequence determinations of the purified recombinant xylanase revealed that the native signal peptide was cleaved off by E. coli signal peptidases between Ala28 and Ala29. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A quiz concerning pleural effusion in a patient suffering from chest pain is presented.

A quiz concerning the lesion from the stomach and its appropriate management is presented.

A role for androgen receptors (AR) as a transcriptional activator in oesophageal adenocarcinoma is suggested as incidence is increased in males, including members of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family. This study identifies a relationship between AR and downstream FGF gene expression in vitro, in vivo and in patient models. AR expressed in stroma of males with oesophageal adenocarcinomas may induce paracrine effects following stimulation by androgens. The AR gene was expressed in normal squamous epithelium at significantly higher levels than oesophageal adenocarcinomas.